This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Chile’s Maipo Valley and bottled by California’s Delicato Family Wines corporation, is estate-grown and aged for an average of 6 months in French Oak barrels. As the story goes, the grapes were grown halfway up a mountain at a century-old vineyard that had been forgotten for some time. Nature, via earthquakes, snowmelt and wind, stripped away the soil and nutrients which left behind bare ground largely consisting of rock. Somehow the vines survived and thrived, free to grow on their own accord. Sure. Discoveries and calamities aside, let’s give this a try.

The nose evokes over-ripened blackberry, oak, and graphite, a combination that eventually finds some footing, but decanting is required. Matters improve on the palate, showcasing more blackberry, mint, and a nice touch of clove. The oak influence becomes evident on the finish, and the mint steals the spotlight from the darker fruit for a light, clean conclusion. The nose never quite sorts itself out, but all is forgiven by the end of the glass.

B+ / $17 / scarletvine.com

2019 Scarlet Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

$17

8.5

Rating

8.5/10